Aquat. Living Resour.

14 (2001) 239−249
© 2001 Ifremer/CNRS/Inra/IRD/Cemagref/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved
S0990744001011238/FLA

Quality of Moroccan Atlantic coastal waters:

water monitoring and mussel watching
Abdelghani Chafika, Mohamed Cheggourb, Daniel Cossac*,
Samir Benbrahim Mostafa Sifeddinea
a
U.R.D. chimie marine, Institut national de recherche halieutique (INRH), 2, rue Tiznit, Casablanca, Morocco
b
Unité d’écologie, Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, B.P. 2400, Marrakech, Morocco
c
Ifremer, Centre de Nantes, B.P. 21105, 44311 Nantes cedex 3, France
Received 29 January 2001; accepted 25 April 2001

Abstract − The quality of Moroccan Atlantic coastal wasters was monitored from 1993 to 1997 by measuring hydrological
parameters (dissolved oxygen, suspended particulate matter, phosphates, and nitrates), and using the mussel Mytilus
galloprovincialis as a quantitative bioindicator of cadmium, copper, manganese, and zinc contamination. Mean concentrations of
dissolved oxygen and suspended particulate matter were indicative of the effects of urban and industrial discharges of wastewater,
particularly at Mohammedia, Casablanca, Mehdiya, Jorf Lasfar and Safi. Stations receiving urban wastewater showed high nitrate
concentrations, especially at Mehdiya, Rabat, Mohammedia, Casablanca and El Jadida. Metal concentrations in mussels showed
significant variations depending on the station and sampling period. Jorf Lasfar and Safi had the highest mean concentrations for
cadmium (8 and 7 µg·g–1 dry weight respectively) and copper (74 and 25 µg·g–1 dry weight). The relation between cadmium
concentrations in mussels, and phosphate concentrations in water suggests that the processing of phosphate ores at these two sites
is responsible for contamination. Mussels in the Mohammedia–Casablanca sector had the highest zinc concentrations
(338–379 µg·g–1 dry weight), followed by those collected at Jorf Lasfar (267 µg·g–1 dry weight), and Sidi Moussa and Safi
(290–301 µg·g–1 dry weight). The distribution of manganese concentrations, which were maximal in estuaries (up to 19 µg·g–1 dry
weight), was indicative of terrigenous inputs. Seasonal variations in mussel metal concentrations were characterised by winter
minima, and apparently related to the physiological cycle of the animal. With the exception of cadmium-contaminated areas, the
quality of mussels on the Moroccan Atlantic coast is good with respect to food safety standards.
© 2001 Ifremer/CNRS/Inra/IRD/Cemagref/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS
bioindicator / monitoring / mussel watch / nutrients salts / trace elements / water quality

Résumé − Qualité physicochimique des eaux côtières et bioaccumulation métallique chez la moule Mytilus galloprovincialis
sur le littoral atlantique marocain. La qualité des eaux côtières atlantiques marocaines a été suivie de 1993 à 1996 par la mesure
des paramètres hydrologiques (oxygène dissous, matière en suspension, phosphates et nitrates) et l’utilisation de la moule (Mytilus
galloprovincialis) comme bioindicateur quantitatif de la contamination par le cadmium, le cuivre, le manganèse et le zinc. Les
teneurs moyennes en oxygène dissous et matière en suspension révèlent la trace des émissaires d’eaux usées urbaines et industrielles,
notamment à Mohammedia, Casablanca, Mehdiya, Jorf Lasfar et Safi. Les stations recevant des eaux usées urbaines, accusent
d’importantes teneurs en nitrates, en particulier au niveau de Mehdiya, Rabat, Mohammedia, Casablanca et El Jadida. Les teneurs
métalliques chez la moule montrent des variations significatives selon les stations et la saison de prélèvement. Les sites de Jorf Lasfar
et Safi, avec des concentrations moyennes respectivement de 8 et de 7 µg·g–1 (poids sec) en Cd, et de 74 et de 25 µg·g–1 (poids sec)
en Cu, se distinguent des autres stations. La relation entre les concentrations en Cd dans les moules et les concentrations en
phosphate dans les eaux suggère que le traitement des minerais de phosphates présent dans ces deux sites est à l’origine de cette
contamination. Ce sont les moules de Mohammedia–Casablanca qui sont les plus chargées en Zn (338–379 µg·g–1, poids sec), puis
celles collectées à Jorf Lasfar (267 µg·g–1, poids sec), Sidi Moussa et Safi (290–301 µg·g–1, poids sec). La distribution des concen-
trations en Mn, montre des maxima dans les estuaires (jusqu’à 19 µg·g–1, poids sec), et trace les apports terrigènes. Les variations
saisonnières des métaux chez la moule, caractérisées par des minima hivernales, semblent être liées au cycle physiologique de
l’animal. Du point de vue sanitaire, à l’exception des zones contaminées par le Cd, la qualité des moules du littoral atlantique
marocain est bonne. © 2001 Ifremer/CNRS/Inra/IRD/Cemagref/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS
bioindicateur / suivi / monitorage quantitatif / sel nutritif / elément-trace / qualité de l’eau

*Correspondence and reprints: fax: +33 240 374 075.

E-mail address: dcossa@ifremer.fr (D. Cossa).
240 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249

1. INTRODUCTION ‘African’ and a ‘Pacific’ coast (Bayed, 1982). The

The Moroccan coast, like many other coastal re-
gions in the world, is developing rapidly with respect
to the socio-economic interests of the country. Demo-
graphic expansion, and continual urban and industrial
development are exposing coastal waters to increasing
contaminant discharges that convey various chemicals,
including metals, into the sea.
The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the
physicochemical quality of the environment and the
state of metal pollution in an area of relatively intense
human activity. It was performed during several an-
nual cycles (1993 to 1997) along a coastal area
running from the town of Larache on the North
Atlantic seaboard, to Safi in the centre, a distance of
nearly 400 km. This assessment involved hydrological
studies and analysis of certain metals in tissues of the
mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, selected as a bioin-
dicator of the degree and extent of chemical pollution.
This work can thus be considered in part as a Moroc-
can ‘mussel watch’. Mussels are used worldwide as a
bioindicator in monitoring programmes (e.g., Anon.,
1980; Cossa, 1989; Stronkhorst, 1992; Cantillo, 1998).
Moreover, various ecotoxicological studies have been
concerned with mussels, which are frequently con-
sumed by man, and play an important role in the
transfer of chemical contaminants along food chains.
One of the main environmental problems with toxic
metals is their capacity to accumulate in the tissues of
living organisms, particularly bivalve molluscs col-
lected for human consumption. The absorption of large
amounts of metal by edible species could ultimately be
harmful to man at the upper end of the food chain.
African type consists of large beaches, estuaries, and
high or low cliffs that alternate along the coast. The
Pacific type is characterised by old dunes, whose crests
and sandstone ridges run parallel to the coast (Bayed,
1982).
2.2. Socio-economic activities
and contamination sources
The Atlantic Larache–Safi area (figure 1) is the most
important one in Morocco because of a high popula-
tion and intensive industrial development. In fact, the
Atlantic coastal belt contains 61% of the Moroccan
population, with maximum urban density along the
Kénitra–Safi area (Kaioua, 1991). The towns use the
sea for final disposal of untreated wastewater, which
contains a large and varied contaminant load. In 1990,
the amount of wastewater evacuated by coastal urban
areas along the area was estimated at 370 × 106 m3,
and this figure may be expected to reach around
109 m3 within 30 years (Kaimoussi, 1996). According
to Benchekroun and Bouchama (1991), urban dis-
charges from Moroccan coastal towns constitute 55%
of the total amount. The rapid demographic growth

2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS

2.1. The Moroccan Atlantic coast

The Atlantic coast of Morocco is subject to inter-
mittent upwellings of waters generally rich in nutrients
and trace elements. This phenomenon is not constant
along the coast, except for the Cape Spartel and the El
Jadida–Safi sectors. The tide is semidiurnal, with
variable amplitude (2.1 to 3.4 m). However, the tidal
currents have been rarely studied. The Canaries Cur-
rent, dominant at the surface, runs northeast to south-
west at a rate of 0.5 to 9 m.s–1, reaching its maximum
force in the 20–50 m stratum. The direction of this
current differs according to season (Fedoseev, 1970).
The swell is always fairly heavy, with maxima of up to
9 m, and associated currents can disperse pollutant
loads, ensuring their dissipation.
The Moroccan Atlantic coast is roughly straight.
The dominant landscape along the coast consists of
Figure 1. Location of coastal stations along the Moroccan Atlantic
sand dunes, more or less transformed into sandstone, coast between Larache and Safi. Lr: Larache, Mb: Moulay Bou
attaining 5 to 20 m in height and rarely covered by Selham, Md: Mehdiya (near Kénitra), Rb: Rabat, Mh1: Mohammedia
vegetation. Here and there, the coast is flat and rocky Station 1, Mh2: Mohammedia station 2, Cb: Casablanca, Db: Dar
without cliffs, or lined with low, moderately high Bouazza, Jd: El Jadida, Jl: Jorf Lasfar, Sm: Sidi Moussa, Ol: Oulidia,
cliffs. These elements are suggestive of both an Sf: Safi, and Sg: Souiria Guedima.
 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249
along the coastal belt has generally been accompanied
by a high concentration of economic and industrial
activities. In fact, 80% of the industrial activities of
Morocco are concentrated along the Atlantic coast. In
1990, this area accounted for more than 75% of firms
and around 80% of jobs, mainly in the large cities.
Seventy percent of the country’s companies can be
found between Kénitra and Safi, 85% of which exist in
the administrative district of Casablanca. The domi-
nant industries are of three main types: 1) metallurgi-
cal and electromechanical, 2) leather and textiles, and
3) chemical. Moreover, the Moroccan Atlantic sea-
board concentrates 53% of tourism, and ensures 92%
of maritime transport. In addition to purely commer-
cial transport, fishing activities are concentrated on the
Atlantic coast.
The Larache–Safi area includes four main plains
with intensive farming activities, namely Loukkos,
Rharb, Doukkala and Abda, which all have direct
access to the Atlantic Ocean. This heavy agricultural
development is associated with the use of increasing
amounts of pesticides, fertilisers and other plant care
products (biocides). According to several international
organisations, such as the UNEP (United Nations
Environmental Program) and WHO (World Health
Organisation), the exaggerated and uncontrolled use of
these substances can lead to chemical pollution, in-
cluding cadmium, mercury and copper.
It is evident that each of these activities contributes
directly or indirectly to the contamination of the
marine environment with various chemical substances,
including metals. The present study investigated the
state of nutrient and metal contamination of the
Moroccan Atlantic coast, using water analyses and the
mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as a quantitative
bioindicator.
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1. Study stations
Fourteen coastal sites were chosen between Larache
and Safi (figure 1) in order to take into account the
influences of natural and anthropogenic characteris-
tics, namely, hydrographical influences (upwelling,
lagoons and estuaries) and urban, agricultural and
industrial discharges. Details are given in section 2.2.
3.2. Samples
Water and mussel samples were obtained at low tide
during the period 1993 to 1997. Water samples for
physicochemical analyses were collected in polyethyl-
ene flasks previously rinsed with distilled water.
Mussels were collected by hand at the mean low
water of neap tides on rocky substratum. Fifty adult
individuals (around 5 cm in size) were sorted on the
field. They were then cleaned and stored in polyethyl-
ene flasks containing water from the sampling site and
kept in a cooler (+4°C).
241
3.3. Analyses
Seven physicochemical parameters were analysed in
water. Temperature, total salinity (Model 33 YSI
salinometer) and pH (ATC Piccolo HI 1280 pHmeter)
were measured in situ. Dissolved oxygen was mea-
sured according to the protocol of Winkler adapted to
seawater. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) was
estimated by differential weighing before and after
filtration (Whatman 0.7 µm) in a determined volume
of water. Nitrate and phosphate analyses were per-
formed according to the methodology of Aminot and
Chaussepied (1983). Sampling bottles were rinsed in
the laboratory with double distilled water and rinsed
again with the sampled water just before collection.
After a period of purging in water from the sampling
site, the mussels were transported to the laboratory in
a cooler at +4°C. The soft parts of mussels were
removed from their shells, thoroughly cleaned and
drained for 2 h according to the protocol described by
Claisse (1989). They were then homogenised using a
grinder equipped with a stainless steel blade and
freeze–dried for conservation until analyses. A sub-
sample of 1 g was homogenised in a porcelain mortar
before the mineralisation step. Mineralisation was
performed with 4 mL Suprapur nitric acid (Merck) in
polyethylene tubes at room temperature for 12 h and
then at 90°C for 3 h in a water bath. After cooling, the
digest was brought to 50 mL by addition of double
distilled water.
Metals (Cu, Cd, Zn, and Mn) were measured by
atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Perkin-Elmer,
model 3100) equipped with a graphite furnace (HGA-
600/700). The calculation of the coefficients of
variation for each metal analysis, based on reproduc-
ibility of replicates analyses on one sample, gave the
following relative coefficients of variation (i.e., stan-
dard deviation × 100 / average): Cu 11%; Cd 11%;
Mn 13%; Zn 8%, i.e. a mean reproducibility of about
90%. The accuracy of the method was tested using a
certified reference material obtained from the Interna-
tional Atomic Energy Agency (CRM No. MA-A-
2/TM). The error brackets obtained for the various
metals analysed ranged from 7 to 9%. The detection
limits were 0.004, 0.13, 0.05, and 4 µg·g–1 (dry
weight) for Cd, Cu, Mn, and Zn respectively.
3.4. Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis performed with the Bioméco
programme (Biométrie écologique) concerned mainly
the calculation of correlations between various param-
eters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Microsoft
Excel software (version 7.0) allowed comparison of
metal concentrations in mussel tissues relative to site
and season.
242 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249

Table I. Interannual means and standard deviations for hydrological parameters at marine stations along the Larache–Safi area.

Site Temperature Salinity pH Oxygen SPM Phosphate Nitrate

(°C) (g·kg–1) (mg·L–1) (mg·L–1) (µg·L–1) (µg·L–1)
Lr 19.1 ± 3.9 28.9 ± 2.4 7.9 ± 0.3 7.3 ± 0.8 41 ± 10 76 ± 37 84 ± 123
(13.5–24.9) (23.9–32.2) (7.3–8.2) (5.7–8.2) (21–60) (23–160) (23–480)
Mb 18.9 ± 3.9 31.2 ± 2.3 7.9 ± 0.3 8.0 ± 1.1 43 ± 10 117 +115 77 ± 68
(14–25) (28–35.2) (7.4–8.3) (6.5–9.0) (33–65) (30–470) (24–240)
Md 19.7 ± 4.0 29.4 ± 1.9 7.7 ± 0.3 6.2 ± 1.5 69 ± 34 268 +127 171 ± 262
(14–27) (26–32.9) (7.2–8.1) (2.76–8.0) (44–183) (107–527) (40–950)
Rb 19.6 ± 4.1 32.2 ± 1.4 7.8 ± 0.2 6.7 ± 1.6 34 ± 10 334 ± 213 181 ± 269
(15–26) (30–34.2) (7.3–8.0) (3.3–8.4) (20–50) (116–941) (41–980)
Mh1 18.7 ± 3.7 32.4 +2.3 8.0 ± 0.2 6.9 ± 0.7 27 ± 5 144 ± 159 41 ± 27
(13–24) (25–34.5) (7.4–8.3) (5.3–8.0) (19–35) (22–468) (23–100)
Mh2 19.1 ± 3.5 27.9 ± 2.4 7.5 ± 0.4 4.4 ± 2.1 58 ± 13 675 ± 446 187 ± 41
(14–24.5) (24.1–32) (6.8–8.0) (0.0–7.6) (42–86) (230–1858) (49–198)
Cb 19.8 ± 3.9 30.0 ± 1.5 7.4 ± 0.4 4.8 ± 1.4 60 ± 8 273 ± 105 325 ± 350
(15–25.5) (27.9–33) (6.6–8.0) (1.05–6.2) (47–76) (116–520) (57–1042)
Db 18.1 ± 2.9 32.6 ± 2.3 8.1 ± 0.2 8.0 ± 0.2 30 ± 9 92 ± 15 69 ± 29
(13.5–22) (28.3–35.8) (7.6–8.2) (7.4–9.5) (19–52) (76–129) (29–120)
Jd 17.1 ± 3.6 30.5 ± 2.1 7.9 ± 0.1 5.5 ± 0.4 40 ± 4 600 ± 53 263 ± 63
(11–24) (26.4–34) (7.8–8.1) (4.2–6.8) (31–46) (300–1500) (199–342)
Jl 19.5 ± 3.6 32.7 ± 1.4 7.7 ± 0.1 6.0 ± 0.7 65 ± 7 8910 ± 11 209 ± 101
(13.5–25.5) (28–35.2) (7.2–8.0) (5.0–7.8) (50–6) (640–19 830) (34–470)
Sm 18 ± 3.5 32.9 ± 1.5 7.9 ± 0.2 6.6 ± 0.9 35 ± 13 409 ± 382 130 ± 78
(12.7–22.5) (30.5–36) (7.5–8.1) (4.4–7.6) (15–53) (185–1710) (31–310)
Ol 17.3 ± 3.4 31.9 ± 1.8 7.9 ± 0.1 6.9 ± 0.8 36 ± 9 250 ± 120 171 ± 139
(11.5–21) (27.5–35) (7.8–8.1) (4.5–8.0) (20.5–49) (130–590) (51–581)
Sf 17 ± 3.15 33.5 ± 1.1 7.9 ± 0.1 6.3 ± 0.8 57 ± 6 4460 ± 514 108 ± 100
(12–21) (32–36) (7.7–8.1) (5.3–8.0) (49–67) (850–19 220) (24–440)
Sg 17.1 ± 2.9 33.0 ± 1.7 7.9 ± 0.2 6.9 ± 0.7 47 ± 6 850 ± 0.5 136 ± 121
(12–20.5) (27.9–35) (7.3–8.1) (5.7–7.7) (36–61) (290–1680) (36–440)

Values were calculated from 16 determinations between 1993 and 1997. In parentheses: range throughout the study period. SPM: suspended
particulate matter. Lr: Larache, Mb: Moulay Bou Selham, Md: Mehdiya (near Kénitra), Rb: Rabat, Mh1: Mohammedia Station 1, Mh2:
Mohammedia station 2, Cb: Casablanca, Db: Dar Bouazza, Jd: El Jadida, Jl: Jorf Lasfar, Sm: Sidi Moussa, Ol: Oulidia, Sf: Safi and Sg: Souiria
Guedima.

4. RESULTS The interannual means for dissolved oxygen in

4.1. Hydrological parameters
The means for hydrological parameters, cumulated
throughout the study period (1993–1997), are given in
table I. Water temperature showed slight seasonal
variations all along the Larache–Safi area. Variations
of total salinity according to station were generally of
low amplitude, although stations near river estuaries
recorded a moderate decrease, notably at Larache,
Mehdiya and Mohammedia (respectively near the
mouths of the Loukkos, oued Sebou and oued Mellah).
These results indicate the extent of inputs from conti-
nental waters into the ocean. A slight decrease in
salinity was also observed at El Jadida and to a lesser
extent at Casablanca, apparently due to the large
quantity of effluents entering the sea near these sta-
tions. The mean pH values were close to 8, indicating
the buffer effect of oceanic waters.
water showed low levels in stations receiving un-
treated urban and industrial wastewater, particularly
Mohammedia, Casablanca, El Jadida, Jorf Lasfar and
Safi. Hypoxia and even anoxia were observed at
Mohammedia and Casablanca (table I). The water at
the other stations appeared to be well oxygenated.
Parallel to a decrease in the oxygenation rate of waters
from urban sites, suspended particulate matter (SPM)
showed marked peaks, clearly indicating the input of
particles at Mohammedia, Casablanca, Mehdiya, Jorf
Lasfar and Safi. Likewise, stations receiving urban
wastewater showed high nitrate concentrations, espe-
cially at the level of Mehdiya, Rabat, Mohammedia,
Casablanca and El Jadida (table I). The average
concentrations at Oualidia, Sidi Moussa and Souiria
Guedima stations were fairly high, whereas those
recorded at Larache and Moulay Bou Selham were in
the low range. Spatial variations in mean phosphate
 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249 243

concentrations showed two marked peaks for Jorf Table III. F values for the analysis of variance (ANOVA) on metal
Lasfar (8.9 mg·L–1) and Safi (4.5 mg·L–1). The mean concentrations in the soft tissue of Mytilus galloprovincialis.
interannual concentrations at the other stations were
high, due essentially to urban discharges at Rabat and Factor Cu Cd Mn Zn
Mehdiya, urban and industrial discharges at Moham- Season 3.03*** 1.94* 10.12*** 6.35***
media, Casablanca and El Jadida, and agricultural Site 27.91** 54.66*** 19.41*** 11.67**
inputs at Moulay Bou Selham, Oualidia, Sidi Moussa
and Souiria Guedima. Results show that space (site) and time (season) discriminate
relatively to Cu, Cd, Mn and Zn concentrations. Asterisks refer to
4.2. Metal analyses in Mytilus galloprovincialis significance levels: * P < 0.05; ** P < 0.01; *** P < 0.001.

The mean metal concentrations cumulated through-

out the study period (1993–1997) are reported in table
II. The ANOVA on the basis of these concentrations 4.2.1. Spatial variations
(table III) showed significant variations according to Spatial variations in mean Cu concentrations were
station and sampling season. characterised by three clearly distinct peaks of variable
intensity at Jorf Lasfar and Safi (which showed higher
levels than other sites). Geographical variations in
Table II. Interannual means and standard deviations for metal con- mean Cd concentrations were quite close to those for
centrations in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis along the Larache-
Safi area.
Cu. The peaks at the Jorf Lasfar and Safi sites were
markedly above those of the other stations. The nature
Site Cu Cd Mn Zn of activities nearby (processing of phosphate ores)
suggests that inputs came from industrial and mining
Lr 10.6 ± 3.9 0.5 ± 1.0 12.5 ± 5.2 201 ± 113 operations. The lowest Cd levels were recorded at Dar
(5–18) (nd–0.9) (5.5–25.5) (175–533) Bouazza, followed very closely by those at Moulay
Mb 8.5 ± 3.5 0.4 ± 0.2 13.3 ± 4.4 117 ± 34 Bou Selham, Larache and north Mohammedia. Mus-
(4–15.8) (nd–0.7) (5.4–18.5) (72–184) sels from Mohammedia–Casablanca showed the high-
Md 10.4 ± 3.4 0.7 ± 0.3 19.1 ± 3.8 236 ± 72 est Zn concentrations, followed by those collected at
(6.9–19.6) (nd–1.9) (14.4–27.9) (84–325) Jorf Lasfar, Sidi Moussa, Safi and Souiria Guedima.
Rb 13.4 ± 4.5 0.6 ± 0.3 14.4 ± 4.3 256 ± 45 Similar levels were observed at Mehdiya and north
(8.1–23.1) (nd–1.5) (7.9–20.2) (186–317) Mohammedia, and lower levels at Moulay Bou Sel-
Mh1 6.9 ± 1.2 0.4 ± 0.3 9.6 ± 2.7 241 ± 94
ham and Dar Bouazza. The highest mean Mn concen-
(5.2–9.5) (nd–0.7) (6.1–16.1) (96–401) trations were observed at stations near estuaries and
lagoons, especially Mehdiya, Mohammedia-town, Ra-
Mh2 14.4 ± 3.9 1.1 ± 0.9 15.0 ± 2.8 338 ± 94
bat, Moulay Bou Selham and Sidi Moussa. However,
(10–24.2) (nd–2) (10.9–20) (265–645)
Mn concentrations were significant at Larache, the
Cb 18.1 ± 9.5 1.9 ± 1.0 8.8 ± 2.2 379 ± 66 entry to oued Loukkos, and Oualidia. These results
(9.5–40.1) (0.5–3) (5.9–13.2) (250–481) suggest that the sources of Mn are from riverine
Db 4.9 ± 1.2 0.2 ± 0.3 7.0 ± 1.6 152 ± 25 inputs.
(2.9–7) (nd–0.5) (5.2–10.3) (116–195)
Jd 6.7 ± 3.9 1.0 ± 0.8 6.3 ± 0.7 186 ± 142
4.2.2. Seasonal variations
(4–12.5) (0.1–2.9) (5.5–7) (110–398) The variations in seasonal metal concentrations in
Jl 73.5 ± 42.0 8 ± 5.9 7.4 ± 2.4 267 ± 70 tissues of the mussel M. galloprovincialis along the
(17–209) (3.5–15.5) (3.2–12.4) (189–456) Atlantic Larache–Safi area are indicated in figure 2,
Sm 12.0 ± 3.8 1.4 ± 1.1 13.0 ± 3.2 301 ± 151 with distinct bars for the means obtained for each
(5.6–16.7) (nd–2.5) (8.8–18.5) (85–545) season. The seasonal effect is testified by the results of
Ol 7.5 ± 2.6 0.9 ± 0.7 11.6 ± 4.5 202 ± 66
an analysis of variance (table III), which shows highly
(4.3–12) (nd–1.8) (6.3–20) (96–296) significant F coefficients for all metals studied. The
amplitude of the seasonal variations is usually less
Sf 24.7 ± 5.5 7 ± 3.8 8.5 ± 4.4 290 ± 59
than 20% but may reach a factor of 2. Mn and Zn
(12.5–39.7) (3.3–12.4) (3.7–17.1) (177–370)
concentrations for most stations were maximal in
Sg 7.9 ± 3.6 1.5 ± 1.9 8.3 ± 2 277 ± 80 spring and minimal in winter (figure 2). Though the
(4.6–18) (0.5–3.8) 7 (4–12.7) (67–371) minima for Cu and Cd were also observed in winter.
Values (in micrograms per gram, dry weight) were calculated from 16
determinations between 1993 and 1997. In brackets: minima and 5. DISCUSSION
maxima throughout the study period. nd: not detected (< detection
limit). Lr: Larache, Mb: Moulay Bousselham, Md: Mehdiya (near
Kénitra), Rb: Rabat, Mh1: Mohammedia Station 1, Mh2: Moham- 5.1. Quality of marine waters
media station 2, Cb: Casablanca, Db: Dar Bouazza, Jd: El Jadida, Jl:
Jorf Lasfar, Sm: Sidi Moussa, Ol: Oulidia, Sf: Safi and Sg: Souiria The spatiotemporal variations of various param-
Guedima. eters, notably nutrient salts, dissolved oxygen in water
244 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249
and SPM, are indicative of the quality of marine
waters (Levitus et al., 1993; Fanning, 1992; Cheggour
et al., 1999).
In our study, water temperature differed little from
one site to another, whereas variations in total salinity
showed a significant decrease near river estuaries,
indicating the presence of continental inputs, espe-
cially in the rainy season. The relatively marked drop
in water temperature between El Jadida and Safi
showed that cold currents due to upwelling were
predominant in these areas. The large temperature rise
recorded at Jorf Lasfar (19.5°C) can be attributed to
the discharge of hot industrial wastewater from phos-
phate processing complexes and a power plant.
Figure 2. Seasonal variations in metal concen-
trations in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis on
the Moroccan Atlantic coast between Larache and
Safi. Lr: Larache, Mb: Moulay Bousselham, Md:
Mehdiya (near Kénitra), Rb: Rabat, Mh1: Mo-
hammedia Station 1, Mh2: Mohammedia station
2, Cb: Casablanca, Db: Dar Bouazza, Jd: El
Jadida, Jl: Jorf Lasfar, Sm: Sidi Moussa, Ol:
Oulidia, Sf: Safi and Sg: Souiria Guedima. H:
winter, P: spring, E: summer, and A: autumn.
The concentrations of nutrients were within the
natural concentration range at Larache and Moulay
Bou Selham in the north, and at Sidi Moussa and
Oualidia in the centre. However, their seasonal cycles
(with high values in winter and low values in summer)
were disturbed in urban centres such as Mohammedia–
Casablanca because of considerable human activity.
Phosphate concentrations were particularly high at
Jorf Lasfar and Safi, relative to phosphate-rich efflu-
ents from industrial complexes processing phosphates.
These levels largely exceeded the means found for
surface waters of the Atlantic Ocean (Fanning, 1992;
Wiesenburg, 1988). High concentrations have also
been reported for the Seine Bay (France), which drains
 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249
a heavily industrialised area, notably with phosphate
processing plants (Anon., 1990). The average concen-
trations calculated for Oualidia and Sidi Moussa re-
flect agricultural practices in these two regions. The
nitrates used are recycled by tidal effects through
lagoon systems before reaching the sea. The low
values recorded at Larache and Moulay Bou Selham
were due to low contaminant flux and high marine
dilution. The dilution seems more effective at Moulay
Bou Selham because of the large size of the lagoon
(35 km2), which drains highly developed agricultural
land in the region. This would account for the low
nitrate level found here compared to those of the
Oualidia and Sidi Moussa sites where adjacent lagoons
are of much smaller size (6 and 7 km2). The nitrates
detected near large cities suggest urban origin. How-
ever, an industrial source was likely, especially at
Casablanca, relative to the activity of fertiliser plants
at Aïn Sebaa and Jorf Lasfar. The results for El Jadida
are consistent with the findings by Kaimoussi (1996),
who studied nitrate variations at stations receiving
urban sewages. These findings were confirmed by
SPM values, whose high peaks at urban sites were
clearly indicative of an input of particles due to urban
effluents. The cases of Mohammedia, Casablanca,
Mehdiya, Jorf Lasfar and Safi constitute quite signifi-
cant examples (table I).
Dissolved oxygen also showed low levels at these
same sites. The values observed (table I) are consistent
with the quantitative importance of the pollutant loads
in effluents at the sites considered (Benbrahim et al.,
1997). These discharges were rich in organic detritus
whose bacterial oxidation reduced dissolved oxygen in
the environment. Nonetheless, in most of the sites the
levels observed did not appear to be critical for marine
life because of the continual hydrodynamic mixing of
coastal waters, which favours the dilution of the
organic matter load and allows rapid reoxygenation of
the water. The level of dissolved oxygen recorded at
Mehdiya reflects the effect of inputs from the oued
Sebou, which conveys wastewater from the town of
Kénitra and residues from port activities at both
Kénitra and Mehdiya. The values recorded at the
coastal stations of Oualidia and Sidi Moussa were
related to local organic inputs originating mainly in the
two lagoons and evacuated into the sea during their
emptying at ebb tide.
Depending on the site, the results for pH indicated a
greater or lesser enrichment of coastal waters with
various forms of detritus emanating mainly from
adjacent urban areas. This enrichment was significant
at stations receiving discharges of urban and/or indus-
trial wastewater either directly or via river estuaries.
This accounts for the ‘lower’ pH (compared to marine
pH) at Mehdiya, Rabat, Casablanca, Safi and Jorf
Lasfar.
245
5.2. Metal contamination
of the mussel M. galloprovincialis
5.2.1. Reasons for variations
in metal concentrations
The variations in metal concentrations in mussels
depended on several parameters. Coastal environmen-
tal factors such as temperature and salinity (abiotic
factors) were taken into account as well as biological
variables peculiar to the species, particularly those
governing reproductive activity (biotic factors)
(Mance, 1987; Cossa, 1989; Langston and Spence,
1995). In fact, it is difficult in a natural environment to
sort the role played by each of these factors in the
overall assessment of bioconcentrations because of
their concomitant action.
5.2.1.1. Abiotic factors
The metal concentrations recorded along the
Larache–Safi area clearly showed that mussel popula-
tions exposed to urban and industrial discharges were
more contaminated with metal than those at some
distance from these sources. High concentrations of
Cu, Zn and Cd are common in urban effluents (Guil-
laud and Romana, 1991). In addition, Cd contamina-
tion cases have been observed particularly in industrial
or agricultural discharges related to the exploitation,
processing or land disposal of phosphate minerals
(fertiliser and refuse) (Chiffoleau et al., 1994). The
significantly negative correlations of these three met-
als with dissolved oxygen (RZn = –0.51, P < 0.05;
RCu = –0.53, P < 0.05; and RCd = –0.58, P < 0.01) tend
to confirm these hypotheses. Wastewater is a source of
metals and organic matter, which cause an impover-
ishment of dissolved oxygen. This heavy load has been
detected by analysis of effluents, notably at Casa-
blanca (Benbrahim et al., 1997), El Jadida (Kaimoussi,
1996) and Rabat (Lemine, 1993).
Significant positive correlations were found be-
tween phosphate and nitrate on the one hand and Cd
on the other (respectively, R = 0.61, P < 0.01; and
R = 0.57, P < 0.01), and between Cu and phosphates
(R = 0.51, P < 0.05). These relationships support the
idea that Cd (and even Cu) inputs are of agricultural
origin, resulting from the leaching of cultivated fields
previously enriched with fertilisers and products for
plant treatments that contain metals. However, an
industrial origin is probably superimposed at Jorf
Lasfar and Safi, owing to discharges from chemical
complexes that process phosphates.
Manganese concentrations increased markedly after
the winter, in conjunction with rainfall maxima and an
associated drop in salinity and temperature. The sig-
nificant negative correlations of Mn with salinity on
the one hand (R = –0.61, P < 0.01) and temperature on
the other (R = –0.70, P < 0.01) suggest a crustal origin
for this metal. Alternatively, these correlations may
also indicate the influence of hydrological parameters
on the bioaccumulation of Mn within mussel tissues,
as already reported by Mance (1987).
246 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249
5.2.1.2. Biotic factors
Metal concentrations in mussel tissue showed sea-
sonal cycles, with minima in winter. Depending on the
station, these cycles were more or less developed and
regular. This is in agreement with the results of
Kaimoussi (1996) for the El Jadida region, where a
marked spring peak was observed for several metals in
soft tissues. In the Rabat–Mohammedia region, El
Hraiki (1992) reported significant variations of Cu and
Cd in the same mussel species and noted that concen-
trations were maximal in the spring. Both authors
attributed these variations to the reproductive cycle of
the species. Moreover, Asso (1984), in a study of
another bibalve (Perna perna) in the Bay of Algiers,
noted that several metals had an autumn maximum and
a spring minimum, probably due to gametogenetic
phenomena. Winter maxima and high seasonal ampli-
tudes have been often observed in metal concentra-
tions of Mytilus species from European coasts (e.g.,
Claisse, 1989). This dissimilarity may be due to
differences in the biological cycle of the species (a
divergence in time and individual phasing) related to
latitudinal differences as a result of the various tem-
perature cycles.
5.2.2. Origin and distribution of metals
Phosphogypsum discharges from local chemical
complexes were responsible for much higher Cd and
Cu concentrations in mussels at Jorf Lasfar and Safi
than at other coastal stations (Cheggour et al., 1999).
In fact, impurities rich in metals (notably Cu and Cd)
have been frequently detected in phosphate concen-
trates produced in different regions of the world
(Cossa and Lassus, 1989; Maxon and Vonkeman,
1992). Not surprisingly, the concentrations of these
metals in mussels were markedly lower at other
Moroccan sites where this type of industry is not
present, i.e. the Rabat region (El Hraiki, 1992) and
north of Larache (Idrissi et al., 1994). However, the
relatively high Cu and Cd levels found at Mohamme-
dia, Casablanca, Mehdiya and El Jadida are indicative
of the role of urban and industrial activities in gener-
ating metal pollution. El Hraiki (1992) observed simi-
lar Cd concentrations in mussels from the Mohamme-
dia region, in agreement with reports for North
Atlantic mussels (ICES, 1980). Cadmium concentra-
tions recorded at sites ‘not primarily industrial’ were
generally lower, but still significant, as at Oualidia and
Sidi Moussa on the central Atlantic coast and to a
lesser extent at Larache and Moulay Bou Selham on
the north coast. These concentrations could relate to
the highly developed agricultural activities in these
regions, which use large amounts of fertiliser and plant
care products. Although Cd and secondarily Cu are
minor constituents of these products, the large
amounts used in intensive agriculture would contribute
to their accumulation in the environment and their
bioconcentration by organisms. It is also possible that
the upwelling of waters rich in trace elements was a
contributing factor (Bruland and Francks, 1983), no-
tably at Oualidia and Sidi Moussa where this phenom-
enon is nearly constant. Measurements of the Cd flux
in upwelling zones of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
have indicated a marked increase in this metal, com-
pared to areas some distance away (e.g., Cossa and
Lassus, 1989).
Despite the magnitude of urban and industrial
liquid–solid discharges and inputs from agricultural
activities, which would seem to account for most of
the Cd and Cu concentrations found in mussel tissues,
atmospheric emissions cannot be entirely ruled out.
Although this factor has not been thoroughly studied,
Nriagu and Pacyna (1988) estimated that worldwide
atmospheric emissions of Cd from anthropogenic ac-
tivities represent several thousand tons (between 3 and
12) per year, mainly from industrial sources. For the
Western Mediterranean, Migon et al. (1991) estimated
annual atmospheric fluxes (in thousands of tons) at
0.14 to 0.17 for Cd and 1.5 for Cu.
The Zn concentrations recorded in mussels indicate
the dominance of urban and industrial sources all
along the Larache–Safi area. Levels were particularly
high in the Mohammedia–Casablanca region where
wastewater discharge outlets are large. Mussels also
had relatively high Zn concentrations at the Rabat and
Mehdiya stations, which receive discharges from large
urban sewers as well as inputs from the Bou Regreg
and Sebou estuaries respectively (figure 1).
A crustal origin was more apparent for Mn. The
tissue concentrations of this metal in mussels were
quite elevated in stations close to the mouths of
estuaries and lagoons and remarkably low in typical
urban areas distant from these points. These results are
in close agreement with other Moroccan studies indi-
cating that Mn is an excellent tracer of continental
inputs into aquatic systems produced by the breaking
up of rocks and soils of surrounding watersheds
(Carruesco, 1978; Texier et al., 1994).
The present results for Morocco are concordant with
those of other studies performed for areas along the
Atlantic coast. For the El Jadida region, Kaimoussi
(1996) found high metal concentrations in surface
sediments, algae and mussels sampled near urban and
industrial wastewater sewers. Echab et al. (1996)
observed high metal concentrations around effluents
from the town of Mohammedia, both in marine waters
and mussels. The latter, collected on the Casablanca
coast, were heavily contaminated with metals, espe-
cially at stations receiving wastewater (Cheggour et
al., 1996). These results were confirmed by ecological
studies along the Casablanca coast, which showed a
significant decrease in the diversity of intertidal mac-
robenthos near effluents of anthropogenic origin
(Chafik et al., 1999). Physicochemical analyses of
these effluents, performed regularly by the National
Institute of Halieutic Research (INRH) in Casablanca
showed high organic and unusually high metal con-
centrations (Benbrahim et al., 1997). Similarly, our
results at Safi are in complete agreement with those of
Idrissi-Aatouf et al. (1996), who reported marked
 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249 247

contamination of mussels (and certain gastropods) in Table IV. Metal contamination indices (IcSx) for the mussel Mytilus
close relation to urban and industrial effluents. galloprovincialis along the Moroccan Atlantic coast between Larache
At an international level, the studies of Lauenstein and Safi.
and Dolvin (1992) conducted along American coasts
Site Cu Cd Mn Zn
reported significantly high metal concentrations in
M. edulis, which were attributed mainly to human Larache 0.68 0.24 1.12 0.81
activities. For the same species in the Baltic Sea, Moulay Bou Selham 0.54 0.11 1.20 0.48
Broman et al. (1991) observed relatively high Cd and Mehdiya 0.67 0.34 1.73 0.96
Zn levels, and described a north–south gradient deter- Rabat 0.85 0.21 1.30 1.04
mined by salinity variations as well as by anthropo- Mohammedia 1 0.44 0.20 0.87 0.98
Mohammedia 2 0.91 0.55 1.36 1.38
genic inputs into the marine environment. The moni-
Casablanca 1.15 0.98 0.80 1.54
toring of chemical contamination along French coasts Dar Bouazza 0.31 0.10 0.63 0.62
over a period of several years, using Mytilus sp. as a El Jadida 0.43 0.51 0.57 0.76
quantitative biological indicator, has allowed the iden- Jorf Lasfar 4.68 4.12 0.64 1.08
tification of certain ‘hot spots’ for anthropogenic Sidi Moussa 0.76 0.71 1.18 1.22
activity, characterised by particularly elevated levels Oualidia 0.48 0.50 1.05 0.82
of some metals such as Cd (Claisse, 1989). Safi 1.60 3.60 0.77 1.18
Souiria Guedima 0.50 0.80 0.75 1.13
5.2.3. Comparison of the stations
and the pollution gradient See text for definition of IcSx (section 5.2.3).
To compare metal pollution levels in mussels along
the Moroccan Atlantic coast, a metal contamination
index IcSx was calculated according to the equation: case, that of Larache–Safi area). According to the
results obtained (table IV), the following increasing
IcSx = Sx/M contamination gradient for all the metals combined
can be proposed: Dar Bouazza < (Oolidia, Sidi
where Sx is the mean concentration (in micrograms per Moussa) < (Moulay Bou Selham, Larache) < Souiria <
gram, dry weight) for metal x at station S, and M the Mohammedia (station 1) < El Jadida < (Mehdiya,
cumulative mean concentration (in micrograms per Rabat) < (Jorf Lasfar, Safi, Mohammedia (station 2,
gram, dry weight) for the same metal at all stations. In Casablanca).
the absence of any environmental standard, this index The comparison of the present metal data in mussels
allows the degree of contamination in different locali- with those of other localities in the world (table V)
ties to be compared with a regional average (in this indicates that the level of contamination on Moroccan

Table V. Range of metal concentrations in soft tissue of mussels from different localities in the world.

Locality Cu Cd Zn Reference
Larache–Casablanca, Morocco 6.6–14.4 0.4–1.9 117–379 Present studya
Jorf Lasfar–Safi, Morocco 24.7–73.5 7.0–8.0 267–290 Present studya
Rabat, Morocco 2.4–12.2 0.13–1.5 50–344 Chafai-El Alaoui (1994)a
Mohammedia, Morocco 13.6–16.8 0.8–0.93 – Echab et al. (1996)a
El Jadida, Morocco 4.4–14.7 nd–2.5 148–535 Kaimoussi (1996)a
Bay of Algiers, Algeria 10.8–15.7 0.54–1.8 133–243 Abada (1996)b
English Channel, France 3.8–16.5 0.4–8.8 53–318 Boutier (1982)c
Mediterranean, France 4.1–20.9 0.2–3.4 61–1336 Boutier (1982)a
Atlantic, France – 0.1–36.2 – Claisse (1989)c
Mediterranean, Italy 2.4–154 0.4–5.9 97–644 Abada (1996)a
Coast of Portugal 6.2–13.4 0.5–1.3 140–542 Coimbra et al. (1991)c
Atlantic, Spain 2–4 7–14 190–370 Manga (1980)c
South Devon, UK 0.2–17.3 0.8–36.2 16–634 Boalch et al. (1981)c
Baltic Sea – 5–11.5 121–160 Broman (1991)c
Coast of Sweden – 3.8 117 Broman (1991)c
Long Island, NY, USA 5.5–70 0.7–10 – Turgeon et al. (1989)c
USA coasts 5.7–530 0.9–9.1 67–6 000 Lauenstein et al. (1990)c
Pacific, USA 3.5–19.1 0.8–10.5 51–260 Goldberg et al. (1983)c
Pacific, Hong Kong 0.1–1.4 8.5–278 77–164 Phillips (1985)d
Victoria, Australia 3–11 2–140 126–747 Manga (1980)c
Derwent, Australia 24 42 352 Manga (1980)c

Values are in micrograms per gram, dry weight. (a) Mytilus galloprovincialis; (b) Perna perna; (c) Mytilus edulis; (d) Perna viridis; nd: not
detected.
248 A. Chafik et al. / Aquat. Living Resour. 14 (2001) 239–249
coasts is still moderate, except for a few sites. This
justifies that current monitoring systems and pollution
control are necessary and should be reinforced. When
the results are considered in terms of the maximum
concentrations proposed by the Oslo and Paris Con-
ventions and British guidelines for molluscs, the
quality of M. galloprovincialis relative to metal con-
tamination can be regarded as good at most stations on
the Moroccan Atlantic coast. However, Cd concentra-
tions at Jorf Lasfar and Safi are close to the current
standards established by the European Community
regulation (No. 194/97).
6. CONCLUSION
The water analyses along the Moroccan Atlantic
coast between Larache and Safi showed some deterio-
ration in quality (especially dissolved oxygen and
nutrients), at stations affected by heavy urban and
industrial activities. This is the case for Mohammedia–
Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar and Safi areas. Coastal waters
were of higher quality at sites with little or no human
activity.
The Mussel Watch programme suggests a dominant
source of metal contamination from urban and indus-
trial activities, and less important inputs from conti-
nental weathering and agricultural origins. Metal con-
centrations distribution in mussels indicates hot spots
near large urban and industrial centres, notably Mo-
hammedia–Casablanca. In addition, the mussels of
Jorf Lasfar and Safi exhibit high Cd concentrations as
a result of their exposition to industrial effluents.
Consequently, these sites need to be monitored quite
closely. Localities relatively far from anthropogenic
sources (e.g., Moulay Bou Selham, Sidi Moussa and
Oualidia lagoons on the Atlantic coast), which have
considerable potential for aquaculture, were affected
very little by chemical contamination.
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